West Ham’s announcement that free coach travel for the Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United away games came three days after the Hammers United group called for free return coach travel to Anfield on Monday February 24.

But the Hammers insist that planning for the coach travel started weeks ago and was instigated by the club’s Official Supporters’ Board that has been the subject of criticism from protesting fans.

Official Supporters’ Board chair David Baker said: “We’ve worked closely with the club throughout this season on a number of initiatives, some of which the club has announced today.

More protests by West Ham supporters are plannedCredit: AFP

“The OSB exists to represent as many supporters as we can through the range of fans’ groups which sit on the board. We’re here to offer the widest spectrum of views from our huge and diverse fanbase, and we exist to help the club make the supporter experience as rewarding as possible.

“We meet regularly with the club and we’re also in daily contact with senior staff, putting forward the fans' views and ideas to the right people. We feel a duty to share those opinions and give the fans a voice, whether it’s positive or negative feedback we will always deliver your message constructively.”

Hammers United have vowed to organise further protests against West Ham co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold, and vice-chairman Karren Brady. The group are also making daily ‘goodwill’ requests from the club, which have so far been free coach travel for the Liverpool away game, the possibility of introducing rail seating inside the London Stadium and the immediate release of the 2018/19 accounts.